Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew Recipe

Introduction

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, this stew is both simple to make and deeply satisfying. Let your crock pot do the work while you enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar if tomatoes taste very acidic

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until mostly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant. Drain off excess fat if needed.
2. Step 2: In the slow cooker, layer the potatoes, carrots, celery, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Spoon the browned beef mixture over the top and gently stir to combine. If the tomatoes taste very acidic, add the optional sugar.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours for tender vegetables and rich flavor, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours if short on time. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat and prevent extending cook time.
4. Step 4: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Optional garnishes include chopped parsley, sour cream, or shredded cheddar cheese for extra comfort.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, try browning the beef with a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of red wine before adding to the slow cooker.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this stew.
• Add a handful of chopped kale or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking to boost the veggie content.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stew without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot over low heat. Cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender, usually about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

What can I serve with Shipwreck Stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 792 reviews

Crock Pot Shipwreck Stew is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender ground beef, potatoes, carrots, kidney beans, and rich tomato-based broth, flavored with herbs and spices. Perfect for a cozy meal that develops deeper flavors over several hours of slow cooking.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (on LOW)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Stew
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Beans

• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Liquids and Sauces

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (if tomatoes taste very acidic)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until mostly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant. Drain off excess fat if needed.
2. Layer everything in the slow cooker: Transfer the potatoes, carrots, celery, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Spoon the browned beef mixture on top and gently stir to combine. If your tomatoes taste very acidic, add the optional sugar.
3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook the stew on the LOW setting for 7–8 hours to allow the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours if short on time. Avoid frequently lifting the lid to maintain the cooking temperature and time.
4. Adjust and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Optional garnishes include chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheddar cheese for added richness.

Notes

• For best flavor, prepare the stew a day ahead and reheat; the flavors deepen overnight.
• Use lean ground beef (85-90%) to avoid excess fat but still maintain flavor.
• Don’t lift the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking as it prolongs cooking time.
• If tomatoes taste too sharp, adding the optional teaspoon of sugar balances acidity.
• Garnishes like sour cream or cheddar add creaminess and richness to the stew.

Keywords: crock pot stew, shipwreck stew, slow cooker meals, beef stew, comforting dinner, easy crock pot recipes